Introduction

The temple town of Madurai is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India truly reflective of the cultural ethos of India. Madurai is a 2,600 years old historical city known for its rich heritage and culture. The city is located on the banks of the River Vaigai and was the capital of Pandya Kingdom. As early as 302 B.C., Megasthanes visited Madurai. Great travel historians like Pliny (77 AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) had made reference to Madurai in their travelogues. Marco Polo visited Madurai in 1293 AD followed by Ibn Batuta in 1333 AD. Later Madurai was trading with Rome, Greece, Java, Sumuthra, and Boreneo.

Today, Madurai is the second largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major trading center for south Tamil Nadu and is famous for handloom towels and Jasmine flowers which are exported to all over the world. Madurai has many educational institutions including agricultural college, engineering colleges, medical college and the famous Madurai Kamaraj University.